GTW 8305 For Sale on Facebook Marketplace

GTW Dude · **Joined:** Thu Mar 11, 2021 12:46 pm **Posts:** 150

She ain’t cheap

https://m.facebook.com/marketplace/item ... cated&_rdr

NJDixon · **Joined:** Mon Dec 06, 2021 4:36 pm **Posts:** 366

Seems like a zero or two too many. Those things were beat to death when they were retired 40 years ago, and I can't imagine that sitting outside unprotected since then has done it any favors. Also, looking at the profile of the seller, I really have to question the authenticity of the ad. Methinks this might be a scam.

elueck · **Posted:** Fri Apr 26, 2024 9:32 am

Other posters on various facebook sites claim that the locomotive belongs to the Illinois Railway museum anyway.

NJDixon · **Joined:** Mon Dec 06, 2021 4:36 pm **Posts:** 366

elueck wrote:

Other posters on various facebook sites claim that the locomotive belongs to the Illinois Railway museum anyway.

I saw where someone message the seller and informed them of that and her response was "They're on my land, so I can sell them." So, yeah, if anyone does attempt to buy it, be prepared to learn that the seller doesn't actually own it.

J.David · **Posted:** Fri Apr 26, 2024 9:49 am

Greetings:
Former GTW #8305 was sold by Illinois Railway Museum to Mike Mahler in 12/2006.
The tender was moved to Iowa, it's just the locomotive at Galt.
As noted, it's condition is none too good.
Several of the five former NS&W locomotives that IRM traded for former CB&Q (and ex- Richard Jensen) No. 4963 were in much better condition, but they were closest to the C&NW siding so they went for scrapping. 8305 happened to be at the far end of the siding at Galt.
J.David

Randy Gustafson · **Posted:** Fri Apr 26, 2024 10:01 am

You need a warning label in this post so that nobody looks at that listing with a mouthful of coffee.....

EWrice · **Joined:** Wed Jan 15, 2014 9:14 am **Posts:** 367

Since I have no clue about ownership of equipment of this magnitude, do steam locomotives, or any locomotives in general, have a title or other legal document on file to prove ownership? I've always wondered.

QJdriver · **Posted:** Fri Apr 26, 2024 1:10 pm

I've only used a hand written bill of sale, signed by both seller and purchaser, with both parties retaining an original copy. In a contested case like GTW #8305, it might be a good idea to have a lawyer draw up papers (but avoiding that deal might be a better idea).

cjvrr · **Posted:** Fri Apr 26, 2024 3:03 pm

I would think when asking $200K for anything the seller would at least clear the brush away and take some photos on the sunny side of the object.

QJdriver · **Posted:** Fri Apr 26, 2024 4:53 pm

A fair offer/asking price would be (the locomotive's weight) x (the current price for unprepared steel scrap). She also looks to be covered with asbestos, and stripped of appliances.

Be careful what you wish for....

Great Western · **Posted:** Fri Apr 26, 2024 6:00 pm

QJdriver wrote:

A fair offer/asking price would be (the locomotive's weight) x (the current price for unprepared steel scrap). She also looks to be covered with asbestos, and stripped of appliances.

Be careful what you wish for....

Add the cost of moving the damn thing. Sadly, is it a write off?

QJdriver · **Posted:** Fri Apr 26, 2024 6:49 pm

Great Western wrote:

Add the cost of moving the damn thing. Sadly, is it a write off?

Well... They only want 2,000,000 Pesos ($126,000) for Mexicano del Pacifico #6, and she has a tender AND a smokestack. At least she might be cleaned up and used for a display somewhere in Mexico... I hope.

Daylight25 · **Joined:** Wed Mar 23, 2022 11:00 pm **Posts:** 187

NJDixon wrote:

elueck wrote:

Other posters on various facebook sites claim that the locomotive belongs to the Illinois Railway museum anyway.

I saw where someone message the seller and informed them of that and her response was "They're on my land, so I can sell them." So, yeah, if anyone does attempt to buy it, be prepared to learn that the seller doesn't actually own it.

Best thing to do in this situation is notify the Illinois Railway Museum about this post and wait for their response

Alexander D. Mitchell IV · **Posted:** Fri May 03, 2024 11:04 am

Daylight25 wrote:

Best thing to do in this situation is notify the Illinois Railway Museum about this post and wait for their response

According to J. David, they sold it ages ago.

MEANWHILE, rail preservation once again hits BarnFinds:

https://barnfinds.com/abandoned-steam-l ... lco-0-8-0/

Christopher Stone · **Joined:** Wed Jan 26, 2022 11:23 am **Posts:** 74

Alexander D. Mitchell IV wrote:

Daylight25 wrote:

Best thing to do in this situation is notify the Illinois Railway Museum about this post and wait for their response

According to J. David, they sold it ages ago.

MEANWHILE, rail preservation once again hits BarnFinds:

https://barnfinds.com/abandoned-steam-l ... lco-0-8-0/

Quote:

"This 1924 American Locomotive Works 0-8-0 steam locomotive for sale on Facebook Marketplace in Chadwick, Illinois has caused an incredible stir in the railfan community"

Hyperbole?